After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, George William Tomalin aged 89, passed away at the Douglas Campbell Lodge on Sunday, May 6, 2018.
George, the eldest of six children, was born at Grandma Wilkinson’s home in the Oakland district on September 6, 1928. He lived on the family farm north of Portage and attended Euclid School and later P.C.I.
Dad moved to Delta as a teenager and began his first career, lasting for over sixty years, as a commercial fisherman. He and mother continued their lifelong love of Delta Beach, living there for more than sixty-eight years, until the devastating government-made flood of 2011.
In 1950 he took over as the owner-operator of Tomalin Transfer until its’ sale in 1981.
Throughout his life, he had a love for all kinds of ball, playing fastball, hardball and slow pitch for almost seventy years. He umped as well and, into his late seventies, played on as many as three teams at one time. Mom told him if he were to join a mixed league, he could be playing every night of the week! He and mom traveled many miles to S.O.S. tournaments around Manitoba, to Arizona and to Hawaii to play.
During the winter, dad enjoyed curling at Oakland and Portage rinks and was a great fan of the Montreal Canadiens from his youth. He attended many Jets games in the W.H.A, and N.H.L. leagues with his children. During the summer father enjoyed games of golf with friends and family.
Until his later years, father was a member of the Elks club and enjoyed their social activities in the company of good friends.
George was known for his easygoing ways and gentlemanly nature.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Sarah (Wilkinson), his wife of 59 years, June, his baby brother Edward, sister, Irene Kitchen, brother Gerald and sisters-in-law Renie Tomalin, Donna Tomalin and Gwen Solomon, brothers-in-law Mike Lewadniuk, Tom Marsh, Garnet Love, Edward Solomon and Don Solomon.
Remembered with love by son Douglas (Mary, Douglas Jr., Julia), daughter Jo Ann (Wayne) Thompson, son Kelly (Colleen, Andrea, great granddaughter Zarah, Quinton), sister Marj Marsh, brother Reg, brothers-in-law Bob Kitchen, Jack Solomon (Joan), sisters-in-law Shirley Love and Sonia Lewadniuk, as well as his nieces and nephews.
The family is most grateful to the staff at the Douglas Campbell Lodge for years of kind care.
As per George’s wishes, no funeral will be held. Memorials can be made to: PAWS (Portage Animal Welfare Society) or to Minor Ball.
“Don’t think of him as gone away his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this earth is only
At George’s request there will be no formal service.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George William Tomalin September 6 1928 May 6 2018 (age 89).source
Death notice for the town of: Portage-la-Prairie, Province: Manitoba